Christmas past is key to unlocking today's festive fun for Cedars residents

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without all the traditions and trimmings especially for people living with dementia for whom past memories are so important which is why Cedars Care Centre in New Barnet is creating a nostalgic Christmas for its residents.

“People living with dementia struggle to remember what’s just happened but don’t have a problem with long-term memories, that makes Christmas extra special for them because there are lots of strong feelings attached to the festive traditions and customs. Reminiscing about past Christmases helps trigger happy memories, so we sit and chat to our residents about the special things they did at Christmas in their own homes and then we try and do what they used to do,” explains Fran Walsh the centre’s manager.

The count-down to Christmas at Cedars includes wrapping presents, writing cards, making table decorations and mince pies, and decorating the trees, which the residents always enjoy getting involved with. “They love to help make decisions about what to put where, and it’s important that they feel included and can contribute in their own way whether it’s offering advice or hanging the baubles – familiar everyday things like that all add to the fun,” says Fran.

Chirstmas carols sung by Lyonsdown School choir will be the highlight of Cedar’s Christmas party on 19 December when residents will be joined by family and friends for an entertaining afternoon. “Our residents love to sing along to all the Christmas songs and see the children, it really puts them in the festive mood and it’s great when residents, relatives and staff can all take part and enjoy themselves, ” adds Fran.

Cedars’ top five favourite traditions for Christmas Day itself are a glass of sherry, turkey with all the works for lunch, watching the Queen’s speech followed by an afternoon film, and sweets wrapped up under the tree.

Cedars is a traditional house with a modern extension which offers 24-hour residential care for those aged 65 and over. The 40 rooms offer accommodation for residents, whether they be frail, suffering a long term illness and approaching end of life or just needs some respite care for themselves and their families.

Cedars is part of the Forest Healthcare group of homes, which includes 12 individual homes throughout the South East of England. For more information on Cedars, please visit www.foresthc.com or call 08444 725 176. If you are interested in looking around Cedars with a view to choosing the home for a loved-one, visits are welcomed at any time, with no appointment necessary.

ENDS

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